This article is from page 39 of the 2006-12-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 39 JPG
DEPOPULATION and isolation in rural parts of Ireland are the main causes of people living in fear, according to Rural Resettlement Ireland.
Spokesman Jim Connolly said concern of attack is prevalent in parts of west Clare, where there are long stretches of unoccupied land.
“Huge tracts of land in west Clare, like Mayo, have populations where people have no neighbours,” said the Kilbaha resident.
“That is not the fault of the planners per se, but they are preventing the rebuilding of these places. There are huge tracts of Clare, where there are less than 25 people living per square kilometre. There are no neighbours, people are living in fear of intruders and there is loneliness,” he added.
“People are living in fear of intruders, particularly in west Clare,” said Mr Connolly.
Pádraig Nally told his trial he was living in fear of being robbed and he panicked when traveller ‘Frog’ Ward appeared at his farm.
In the wake of the debate regarding travellers trespassing on farmers’ lands, Mr Connolly said those living alone in rural parts of the country fear “particular groups, i.e travellers.”
“50 or 60 years ago, the local travellers were welcomed into the community. It was a completely different relationship. Life has changed it,” he said.
Mr Connolly believes that some steps should be taken, in an effort to make rural parts of Clare and throughout the country, safer for those living alone.
“I do believe things can be done, like having a patrol car driving around the countryside at night, with the blue light flashing. There is no garda presence… However none of these will provide neighbours,” he said.